Auburn police to offer academy for residents

AUBURN, Maine — A central Maine police department is holding a police academy — but it’s not just for men and women in blue.

Instead, the Auburn Police Department’s Citizens’ Police Academy is open to the community.

Beginning in February, the 10-week program will provide residents information on topics such as police patrols, use of force, drunken-driving enforcement, domestic violence, drug enforcement and crime scene investigations.

Participants aren’t trained as police officers, but rather they’re given an overview of how police operate to enhance the public’s understanding of the role and function of the police department.

Police say they’ll conduct a background check on applicants, and that people with felony convictions or extensive criminal backgrounds won’t be accepted.